Digital Home Thoughts: Flip Video's Improved MinoHD Video Camera

"With the original MinoHD, we were impressed with Flip Video's ability to pack 720p video into a truly pocket-size cam. But we nonetheless wished the product offered a bit more, such as more recording time, HDMI support, and a bigger screen. Those are three of the top improvements Flip Video made to its new MinoHD 8GB."

MaximumPC gives a mostly favorable review to the new Flip Video MinoHD 8GB video camera, which seems to be the video equivalent of a compact point-and-shoot still camera: small, not too expensive, and simple enough to use that almost anyone can get decent results. But the small format imposes a number of compromises: a tiny (2") screen, no optical zoom, no removable storage (but with 8GB internal), and a battery that cannot be replaced by the user - although you can pick your own graphics design, as illustrated by the two right-hand photos above. If you are willing to carry a thicker device, the Flip UltraHD costs less, works with either AA batteries or a NiMH battery pack, and offers an optional Underwater Case (!), and there are three other units in the model line. So which type of device gets your vote: a simple video camera like the MinoHD (or the new HP V1020h), or a digital camera with video capability?